Aristia combines with gun WA jockey Damian Lane for VRC Oaks glory
Gun WA jockey Damian Lane declared more big wins in store for fabulous filly Aristia after they combined for a stirring win in the $1 million Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington yesterday.
Aristia’s victory capped a remarkable five days where she progressed from a maiden to a Group 2 winner to the 36th filly to claim the Wakeful Stakes-Oaks double.
Lane mused pre-race that his filly could be the classiest horse in the Oaks field ... and he was proved correct.
The daughter of Lonhro was sent out the $5.60 third favourite and was strong through the line to hold off pacemaker Greysful Glamour ($19) and $26 outsider Miner’s Miss.
“She’s been a bit unlucky that she hadn’t won before Saturday,” Lane said.
“But the boys have just placed her right and got the wins when it counted.
“She’s probably not a 2500m horse, but I thought her class might carry her through and that’s what happened. This won’t be her last win.”
Co-trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra were instrumental in not only luring Lane to Melbourne several years ago, but keeping him in Victoria when he wanted to “run home to Mum”.
Ellerton insisted yesterday that Lane was now one of the best big-race jockeys in Australia.
The Bunbury product rode his first career winner on the red dirt of Port Hedland.
He lived with Ellerton for several months when he first moved to Melbourne.
“It’s easily the best day of my career, the most excited I’ve ever been,” Lane said.
“I love Matty and Simon ... they’ve been such a big part of not only my career, but my life.”
Posted: Tue, November 13, 2018
Teaser for Flemington 8th nov.
FLEMINGTON R3 NO 8 Live and Free -
After two runs back from a spell the John O’Shea-trained Live And Free is ready to fire and I wonder if we could we see him in Melbourne? The four-year-old son of Savabeel looked a big chance at the 300m over the mile at Randwick on Saturday however was just a half-run short, weakening over the latter stages. A winner of three races last preparation over 1600m, 1800m and 2000m a step up in distance will suit next start. There are some good races in Sydney in the weeks ahead including an 1800m handicap at Rosehill on November 3 however I wouldn’t discount the chances of the gelding turning up at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day with the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) perfect, a race won last year by another Sydney-sider in All Too Huiying. Wherever connections decide to go Live And Free has his hoof on the till.
Posted: Thu, November 08, 2018
